In continuing coverage, the US Forest Service and local volunteer fire departments, along with the US Army Corps of Engineers, are working diligently to contain a wildfire that ignited on Monday, November 6th, just north of Sugar Bay in Warren County.

Firefighters faced significant challenges due to the fire's remote location, which is inaccessible by roads.

To aid the US Forest Service Wildland Firefighters, the Glade Volunteer Fire Department and the US Army Corps of Engineers provided boat operators and boats to transport them to the wildfire.

“It’s a tricky spot to get into, to walk to," said Calvin Bernal, US Forest Service Assistant Engine Captain for the Allegheny National Forest. "Without their boats and them volunteering their time and effort, we would not be nearly as efficient.”

“We did a lot of planning and the next day (Tuesday, November 7th) we organized boats from Glade VFD and the Army Corps of Engineers," said John Fry, US Forest Service Fire Staff Officer for the Allegheny National Forest. "The weather was in our favor, and we were able to get folks safety across and insert them into the fire.”

"Things are going well," stated Christopher Leeser, US Forest Service Public Affairs Officer for the Allegheny National Forest. "The fire is burning on Forest Service land and reached 62 acres and is not continuing to grow at this time. Due to all the work from our firefighters, we have reached a 90% containment.”

Officials are pleased to report that there have been no evacuations or immediate threats to property.
However, local authorities are continuing to closely monitor the situation, and urge residents and visitors to stay clear of the area until the fire reaches 100% containment.

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